WHAT - The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet to discuss conservation easements for forest landowners, including presentations regarding conservation easements from The Nature Conservancy and Trust for Public Lands. Also on the agenda is the continued development of a 2008 work plan focusing the committee’s work and discussing current issues relevant to the future of family-owned forests in Oregon.

WHO - The 10-member Committee for Family Forestlands serves in an advisory role to the Oregon Board of Forestry. The membership includes family forest landowners, forest industry representatives, environmental community and public members, and staff representing the Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.

WHY – Family-owned forestlands contribute to Oregon’s forest sustainability. More than one-third of Oregon’s family forestland owners are retired and another one-quarter will reach retirement age within a decade, causing increased concern about the future of family forest ownership in Oregon. Family-owned forests are located near growing cities and expanding suburban areas, posing a higher risk of these forest lands being converted to development and industrial space.

More information is available by contacting the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-945-7427. Additional information about the Committee for Family Forestlands is also available on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s web site at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/BOARD/CFF/cff.shtml